20 Márta 2012, 15:33
Officials from the Department of Social Protection will tomorrow brief the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education on efforts to curb social welfare fraud.
The Committee will examine the issue of black economy workers who fraudulently claim social welfare benefits. Department Officials will also brief the Committee on the levels of casual workers claiming social welfare benefits.
Committee Vice-Chairman Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD said: “Tomorrow’s meeting reflects the on-going importance that our Committee attaches to the provision of a fair, transparent and equitable welfare system. Members look forward to engaging with senior officials on ensuring social welfare fraud is prevented and, when detected, is dealt with effectively.
“Committee Members will also be briefed on Department efforts to ensure efficiency and fairness for the 93,000 casual and part-time workers who claim Jobseekers' Benefit. Acknowledging that this is a complex issue, the Committee is particularly keen to explore with the senior officials how casual workers might be allowed retain full social welfare benefits. The fear of losing certain benefits is a major disincentive to those wishing to take up casual employment at present.
“The third item on the agenda tomorrow will assess the work of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which has seen significant increases in workload in recent years, with the Chief Appeals Officer.”
This meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow Wednesday 21 March in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/xMg2nJ
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand
Press Liaison Officer
Houses of the Oireachtas
Kildare House
Kildare St
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 618 4484
Mobile: 087 6949926
Email: paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Membership
Damien English, TD (Chairman)
Ray Butler, TD
Áine Collins, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Barry Cowen, TD
Seán Crowe, TD
Tom Fleming, TD
Brendan Griffin, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Anthony Lawlor, TD
John Lyons, TD
Nicky McFadden, TD
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
Willie O’Dea, TD
Brendan Ryan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD
Senators
Deirdre Clune,
John Kelly,
Michael Mullins,
Marie Louise O’Donnell,
Averil Power,
Feargal Quinn